Should I rethink my plan. . . .

[3HappyKids]

This is my family's first trip to Disney. I haven't been in 25 years since I was a kid and really just remember bits and pieces. We are going to be there June 27th, 28th, & 29th. We are actually arriving late afternoon on the 26th but since my kids are pretty young 6, 4, & 17 months our plan was to go to downtown Disney in the evening to have dinner at Goofy's kitchen and then turn in early for the night to be at the parks for opening the following day.

We were planning on going to DL on the 27th, getting up on the 28th for MM at DL & then my kids have appts at BBB and then heading over to DCA for the day. We have reserved lunch with the princess and plan on spending the day in that park. On the 29th we were going to go back and do things the kids would like to see and do again. So. . . .

I've read that the 28th is the last day before the SoCal blackout so it may be a bad day for DCA. So what's a bad day like? LOL! I am fully prepared for busy crowds since we are visiting in summer and pretty much right after carsland opens. However, I am rethinking going to DCA on that day. However I'm a little old school and I really think DCA isn't going to be that great compared to DL. Maybe I will be surprised and love it. I'm sure I think this because DL is where I visted as a kid and I have found memories there. DL has more traditional characters and themes. My kids aren't really familiar with the characters and themes at DCA--they know the Toy Story chacaters but that's it. They aren't familiar with bugs life, monsters inc, incrediables, cars, etc. I don't know if I can come to CA and not visit DL the first day. What do you all think? Do we rethink out plan?

 

[AuntieKels]

I think your plan sounds great!

I always spend my first afternoon in SoCal at downtown Disney and the pool. (the flight or 2 day drive is enough excitment for one day) Planning a fun themed dinner is even better!

Will you have park hoppers? If you do, thats great! You can always decide that DCA is too crowded and head back to DL or the pool. With younger kids you will probably find it takes a longer time to cover much ground so spending the majority of your vaca at just DL should be fine.

Carsland and most the DCA is probably going to be nuts all summer. If you would like to see it - I would suggest heading there in the early morning. If you can do a few hours on Thursday or Friday morning that it probably your best bet. Lucky for you, your kids aren't crazy for cars so you can always make the executive decision to just skip on over to DL. I think prepairing your kids before hand about what to expect from DCA is a great idea.

On another note, have you looked into firework times and parades? You might want to plan on heading out of the parks for an afternoon rest if you want to coming back for fireworks and night time fun.

Sorry, I don't know much about blackout dates - I hope someone else can comment on that for you.

Have fun!!

 

[HydroGuy]

This is my family's first trip to Disney. I haven't been in 25 years since I was a kid and really just remember bits and pieces. We are going to be there June 27th, 28th, & 29th. We are actually arriving late afternoon on the 26th but since my kids are pretty young 6, 4, & 17 months our plan was to go to downtown Disney in the evening to have dinner at Goofy's kitchen and then turn in early for the night to be at the parks for opening the following day.

We were planning on going to DL on the 27th, getting up on the 28th for MM at DL & then my kids have appts at BBB and then heading over to DCA for the day. We have reserved lunch with the princess and plan on spending the day in that park. On the 29th we were going to go back and do things the kids would like to see and do again. So. . . .

I've read that the 28th is the last day before the SoCal blackout so it may be a bad day for DCA. So what's a bad day like? LOL! I am fully prepared for busy crowds since we are visiting in summer and pretty much right after carsland opens. However, I am rethinking going to DCA on that day. However I'm a little old school and I really think DCA isn't going to be that great compared to DL. Maybe I will be surprised and love it. I'm sure I think this because DL is where I visted as a kid and I have found memories there. DL has more traditional characters and themes. My kids aren't really familiar with the characters and themes at DCA--they know the Toy Story chacaters but that's it. They aren't familiar with bugs life, monsters inc, incrediables, cars, etc. I don't know if I can come to CA and not visit DL the first day. What do you all think? Do we rethink out plan?

You are asking a question about DCA to which no one knows the answer. Disney has never refurbed an entire park before and this is right after the "grand re-opening". Further, DCA has never successfully drawn big crowds. This summer everyone expects that to change. It is all for the good but will be challenging for guests for awhile. With the SoCal AP blockouts ending that will make crowds especially challenging. I suspect CL and BVS will approach NYE type crowds and the rest of DCA will just be busy but not overwhelming. The day after the blockouts should see a drop a bit.

I suspect DCA will be a pleasant surprise for you. Disney has done a good job of weaving some magic into the new offerings. I am in the minority around here who thinks World of Color is the best Disney show ever created. I am in the near unanimous majority that thinks the Aladdin stage show is astonishingly good and not to be missed.